There are two types of trains; intercity trains and local trains. Intercity or express trains provide direct connections between the main cities. The routes covered by the local trains also include the intercity network, but they stop at every station.

The Schiphol Line is a special intercity link connecting the national airport at Schiphol with the centers of the main Dutch cities. Information about intercity timetables is given in the section 'timetables and costs'. Seat reservation is not possible and unneccessary.